The City of Pocatello Upgrades to SDI WorkflowProviding Community with Hands On Access to State of the Art Public Access Television Facility

Pocatello, Idaho's Public Access Television department isn't like those of other cities. In addition to offering its residents, as well as those of neighboring Chubbuck, the opportunity to use its production facilities, linear and non linear editing facilities and field equipment all free of charge, Pocatello's Public Access department also holds free studio, camera and editing workshops and welcomes volunteers of all ages and abilities to help produce shows in the studio.

To some, this may seem like quite an undertaking when coupled with the fact that the department only has three full time employees. Ken Wilson, the production manager, is also responsible for all elements of the department's regularly scheduled productions. For the past 15 years, Ken has directed, filmed and edited productions for Pocatello's two public access channels. He's also trained volunteers on how to use cameras, direct multi camera shoots and edit footage, as well as maintained the station's computer network.

Just ask Ken, and he'll tell you the secret to making it all work: reliable and easy to use equipment that does not require a tremendous amount of maintenance. With this in mind, Ken uses a Blackmagic Design ATEM 1 M/E Production Switcher, two Blackmagic Design DeckLink SDI capture and playback cards and three Mini Converters HDMI to SDI.

This Blackmagic Design gear was a key part in the building of a new SDI based onsite and portable studio to support every part of Pocatello's public access capabilities.